Newborns (0 - 2 months)

16 - 18 hours

1Observe baby's sleep patterns & identify signs of sleepiness.

2The crib should be

safety approved.

3Place baby to sleep on

his/her back with face & head clear of blankets

& other soft items.

14 - 15 hours Napping | 2½ - 4 hours

1Develop a consistent bedtime schedule that is enjoyable, but not stimulating.

Choose books over tablets or television.

2Establish a regular "sleep friendly"

environment. Infants need to fall asleep consistently in their place of sleep.

3Encourage your baby to fall asleep

independently & become a "self-soother." This can help them fall back asleep on their own they wake during the night.

T0ddlers (1 - 3 years)

Preschoolers( 3 - 5 years)

Infants (2 - 12 months)

Newborns have multiple sleep periods throughout the day & night that are usually interrupted by hunger. Newborn sleep is an active event; babies often make various noises, smiles, sucking actions & body movements during their sleep.

Tips to creating a positive & safe sleeping environment for newborns:

1 Set & enforce consistent limits on

number of books read, drinks needed, kisses given, etc.

2 The bedroom environment

should be the same every night & throughout the night.

3Falling asleep independently

can be helped with the use of a security object, like a blanket

or stu�ed animal.

12 - 14 hours Napping | 1½ - 3½ hours

Bedtime with toddlers can be a bigger challenge due to increased mobility & stamina. Morning naps are usually not needed after 18 months. The transition from crib to bed usually happens during this period.

Tips to creating better sleep habits for infants:

Tips to help toddlers develop good sleep habits:

1Have a light snack.

2Take a bath or shower.

3Put on pajamas.

4Brush teeth.

5Read a story – not from an

electronic device. Set limits on the number of stories allowed at reading time.

11 - 13 hours Napping | 0 - 1 hour

Tips to help prevent sleep problems for preschoolers:Nighttime fears can become a challenge

as your child’s imagination is very active. Behavioral problems during the day may result from sleep problems like di�culty

breathing, frequent night awakenings, etc.

Follow a non-stimulating bedtime routine every night & consistent schedule. Create the

same sleeping environment every night, it should be cool, quiet, dark & without a TV.

6Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature.

7Put your child to bed.

8Say goodnight & leave.

9Make an incentive chart to

encourage your child to stay in bed after you’ve said goodnight.

Recommended Bedtime Routine

School-Age( 5 - 12 years)

10 - 11 hours

This is the age where sleep deprivation is common due to over-scheduled activities, TV or

computer/electronic media exposure, ca�eine intake & medications or medical conditions.

Establishing good sleep & health habits during this time in your child’s life

will have a long lasting impact.

Be alert for persistent sleep problems, behavioral problems & daytime sleepiness.

1Be a good role model for your children. Introduce healthy sleep habits, disease preven-

tion & health promotion.

4Set limits for activities, TV,

computer, or video use.

1Have a light snack.

2Take a bath or shower.

3Put on pajamas.

4Brush teeth.

5Read a story – not from an

electronic device. Set limits on the number of stories allowed at reading time.

6Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature.

7Put your child to bed.

8Say goodnight & leave.

9Make an incentive chart to

encourage your child to stay in bed after you’ve said goodnight.

Recommended Bedtime Routine

2 Continue to emphasize the need

for a regular & consistent sleep schedule & bedtime routine.

5 Avoid ca�eine. Sugary sodas or

energy drinks should be avoided, especially in the evening.

3 Avoid electronic media at

least 1 hour before the bedtime routine.

6TV's, computers, tablets &

phones should be turned o� & taken out of the bedroom.

Tips to help avoid sleep problems in school-age children:

4A quiet & dark room at a

comfortable temperature is best for sleep.

5Put baby in the crib when

drowsy, not asleep.

6Encourage nighttime sleep & avoid long daytime sleep

periods over 3 hours.